2021: New Nashville Offerings, All Outdoors: Forest Therapy + Intimate Concerts

As Nashville says farewell to winter’s chill and welcomes the warmth of spring, it’s time to get outdoors! Whether you’re looking to explore nature or enjoy a socially distant event under the stars, here are four new ways to experience Music City outdoors.

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Forest Therapy Nashville

Are you craving the chance to fully immerse yourself in nature and savor some quiet time in the woods? Look no further than Forest Therapy Nashville, a guided experience that invites people to connect with nature through their senses. Certified Forest Therapy Guide Georgia Bromehead (who happens to be the first and only practicing Forest Therapy Guide in Nashville) says, “Through this process, we turn down the volume of the mind, relax and give ourselves space to simply be.” It’s no secret that the past year has challenged everyone’s stress levels, and getting outside to appreciate Nashville’s wooded landscape is a wonderful way to ease anxiety and re-focus. “Especially in the past year, we’ve begun to recognize a profound yearning for a deeper connection to the world,” says Georgia, “and for slowing down, and [striving for] better mental health.”

Also known as Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, forest therapy is essentially a “mind meld” with Mother Nature. The two- to three-hour practice includes wandering and exploring sensory-based activities, and it culminates in a tea ceremony. Whether you’re looking to absorb some sunlight, observe plant life, or disconnect from electronics and the daily grind, Forest Therapy offers a way to get into a positive headspace. Georgia leads walks in various locations, including private residences, but you can also register for introductory classes at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, which offers her services through its wellness program. “Forest therapy is an accessible, kinetic, yet still mindful practice for those who struggle with traditional meditation or other self-care rituals,” says Georgia. To book your Forest Therapy session or find out more information, visit foresttherapynashville.com.

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NightLight 615 at Bicentennial Park

Neighborhood: Downtown • More info: nightlight615.com

If you’re looking for a socially distant way to experience some community and outdoor entertainment, NightLight 615 is a must. Though it technically launched in 2019, the outdoor movie series at Bicentennial Park only enjoyed one season before taking a hiatus due to COVID. The event is resurfacing this summer with safety protocols in place, allowing guests to enjoy a night of movies, local craft brews, wine and food trucks, all beneath a blanket of stars and the downtown skyline backdrop. There’s even a DJ set to spin tunes until the nightly feature begins, and you’re welcome to bring pillows and blankets to add some coziness to your evening. “We wanted to offer a new alternative option for a night out with a group of friends, a date, or maybe co-workers,” says co-founder Patrick Cline. “It has a fun, downtempo vibe, where there’s great conversation hangs as well as great cinema. It’s our take on what we call social cinema.”

NightLight 615 is an event for those 21 and over, and the word is getting out — early-bird passes for 2021 are already sold out despite an as-yet-unreleased film schedule. “Our Early Bird Season Passes sold out within the first 24 hours,” says Patrick, “but we are releasing another batch of season passes very soon, so stay tuned!” The season passes, which provide access to all 10 movie nights, also include added perks and early access onto the grounds. Single-date tickets are also available for purchase at NightLight615.com.

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Secret Sounds by Bookable

Neighborhood: Berry Hill • More info: thisisbookable.com

One of the joys of living in Music City is easy access to incredible musical performances on any given night of the year. And while the pandemic has certainly made concerts harder to come by, our city is slowly reintroducing opportunities for safe ways to experience the live music we crave — particularly in the form of smaller, cozier gatherings. Taking that concept a step further, Secret Sounds combines an intimate outdoor, socially distanced concert series with a wine tasting. Could there be a more perfect duo? Presented by Bookable, the event kicked off this month, and it runs every Thursday through the end of May. “Secret Sounds was born in the fall of 2020 in an effort to safely bring live music back to fans in Nashville during the global pandemic and to get our beloved artist community back to work,” says Bookable co-founder Nick Howard.

The concerts take place from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at White Avenue Studio and feature live music from a rotating roster of artists. “We take great pride in the artists that we book for our shows,” says Katelyn Silver Howard, Bookable’s other co-founder and Nick’s wife. “Each one is tailored specifically to this particular event, and when we have two artists featured in one evening, we work hard to ensure they are a great match musically. Temecula Road, one of our featured artists, recently debuted their new single on ‘The Bachelor,’ which was very exciting.”

In the near future, they plan to have chocolate and cheese tasting add-ons to the Secret Sounds shows. Guests are also welcome to bring in snacks, and each ticket includes the concert and wine tasting. “We are music fans first and foremost, and no one gets as much joy out of putting these shows together as we do,” adds Katelyn. To view a schedule of performances and to purchase tickets, visit thisisbookable.com.

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We hope you have plenty of opportunities to safely enjoy the great outdoors in 2021!